Director, Major Gifts

JSSA; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Healthy work-life balance

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Job summary

JSSA is seeking a Director of Major Gifts in Rockville, MD, responsible for overseeing major and mid-level gifts fundraising. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and at least six years of meaningful experience in development within a nonprofit context. The role includes leading donor activities, managing staff, and implementing innovative strategies for donor engagement. A competitive salary of $150,000 to $160,000 is offered along with a collaborative work environment and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• A minimum of six years of progressive experience in development, major gifts and fundraising in a nonprofit environment.
• Prior experience supporting the work of a nonprofit board.
• Experience in building major gifts relationships and closing five and six-figure gifts.

Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of major and mid-level donor activity.
• Manage the Philanthropy Assistant and team members.
• Design and implement innovative fundraising strategies.
• Assist in oversight of Agency's special events for donors.

Skills

Strong presentation skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Virtuous (donor database)

Job description

200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Responsibilities Overview

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for planning, directing and overseeing the Agency’s major and mid-level gifts fundraising program. This position will be responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, developing, and implementing initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit major and mid-level gifts to ensure a strong base of financial support. This position will manage a portfolio of their own. Must work collaboratively with the CEO, CEAO, Development staff and other departments. The Director maintains a portfolio of active prospects for support, and is responsible for the successful solicitation of these prospects.

Essential Functions

• Directs all aspects of major and mid-level donor activity
• Manages the Philanthropy Assistant, Philanthropy and Stewardship Manager and Major Gift Officer when hired.
• Ensures execution of plan for cultivation and stewardship of major and mid-level donors
• Design and implement innovative strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit high-net worth donors for major gifts
• Works with volunteer constituencies in support of development/major gifts objectives
• Effectively prepares meeting materials, stewardship reports and major gift solicitations including, but not limited to solicitation materials and proposals. Manages communication and donor interactions.
• Work with CEO and CEAO to create new fundraising opportunities to identify and attract new donors
• Assists in the oversight of Agency's special events for donors, as appropriate

Minimum Education, Licensure, and Work Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• A minimum of six years of progressive experience in development, major gifts and fundraising in a nonprofit work environment
• Strong presentation skills and comfortable making presentations in a variety of settings
• Prior experience working in the nonprofit sector with supporting the work of a nonprofit board.
• Strong goal orientation and leadership skills.
• Works well independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with potential and existing donors
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building major gifts relationships and closing five and six figure gifts
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, strong analytical skills and managing multiple tasks.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; proficiency in donor databases and supporting technology; experience in Virtuous a plus.
• Maintain professionalism and respect the confidentiality of donor’s personal information
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Starting salary 150-160K

The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 120 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. JSSA provides services and support to nearly 31,000 individuals a year through our wide range of counseling, educational, specialized employment, in‑home support, hospice and nursing care, and social services. We are a growing Agency and strive to be an Employer of Choice. As such we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a healthy work‑life balance, collaborative team environment and many opportunities for personal growth and professional development. We pride ourselves on our mission to be the first place for the Jewish community, as well as the community at large, to turn for clinical and social services of the highest quality that sustain and nurture all who seek assistance. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. AA/M/F/D

200 Wood Hill Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, USA